1. On tonight's trail run (~10 miles) I started to bonk at about mile 6.5. I have a cough, a busted up left arm, didn't eat much today, and generally felt sluggish…surprise.
So I'm reduced to walking. And I figure since I'm going so slow, I might as well take my shoes off…and next thing I know, I'm running again and feeling great. I think getting my mind on my feet and out of my own head was just what I needed.
As I log more and more miles barefoot (about 35-45 per week right now with ~12/week barefoot, all on trail), I'm finding that time sure flies when my shoes are off, despite a slower pace. I'm sure it's due to the requisite concentration.
2. Much is made of the idea that running barefoot is more in tune with our "natural" running form and that this form reduces risk of injury. I certainly subscribe to the idea- in light of millions of years of evolution, it just makes sense.
But it also occurred to me that the reduction in joint issues/stress injuries that many barefoot runners cite (it's certainly been my experience) could be not only due to the form, but simply the fact that barefoot simply makes you SLOW DOWN. I know from experience that it's pretty tough to run at high speeds down rocky singletrack while barefoot- the type of running that also happens to blow your knees.
When looking at human evolution and running barefoot, maybe it's not simply a matter of not being "meant" for shoes solely because of issues with form, but also because the body has trouble dealing with the stresses caused by the speed and reckless nature shoes allow…?
Just some thoughts…
